High diversity of centric fusions with monobrachial homology in an area of chromosomal polymorphism of Mus musculus domesticus

摘要: One of the simplest models chromosomal speciation is by monobrachial centric fusion. This model based on assumption that a sterility barrier can develop between populations, in which fixed fusions show homology, i.e. share only one chromosome arm. However, studies aimed at delineating intermediate stages transition to reproductive isolation are lacking. In this paper, we describe new area polymorphism house mouse, Mus musculus domesticus Schwarz and Schwarx, 1943, Sicily (Italy). We trapped 79 mice eighteen localities an approximately 500 Km 2 surrounding largest active European volcano, Mount Etna. Combining G-banding painting identified twelve different Robertsonian (Rb) metacentrics. Considering high number Rb fusions, some them shared with other documented areas, presently studied very likely represent mixture allochthonous autochthonous fusions. The Rb(9.16) most widespread metacentric (overall frequency 0.80). Two metacentrics, Rb(4.10) Rb(5.6), have similar overall frequency, 0.29 0.37, respectively, narrowly co-distributed ten populations. Nine – Rb(2.13), Rb(1.3), Rb(12.17), Rb(8.17), Rb(2.14), Rb(10.14), Rb(11.17), Rb(3.15), Rb(11.14) low (0.04–0.01) mostly non-overlapping localization, but each shares homology least metacentric. geographical distribution seems match early stage race formation. eventual role hybrid zone context discussed. © 2011 Linnean Society London, Biological Journal Society, 2011, 103, 722–731. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: races population cytogenetics metacentrics structural heterozygotes.